Lady Elizabeth Wilbraham

Lady Elizabeth Wilbraham was a British architect and patron of architecture who lived in the 17th century. She was born into an aristocratic family and traveled extensively across Europe, studying architecture and meeting prominent architects. Despite the societal barriers faced by women of her time, Wilbraham made a lasting impact on British architecture. She is believed to have been involved in the design of over 400 buildings, often working through male architects. Wilbraham's legacy as a patron of architecture and her influence on notable figures like Sir Christopher Wren remain subjects of discussion. She is considered one of the first female architects in British history.